Serving Love and the Body of Christ (Part 2)

Dennis McCallum

1 Thessalonians 5:11-15

In the Body of Christ, Christians are called to warn, encourage, help, and extend grace to one another. All of these actions are to be done with the vital quality of patience, a quality that differs drastically from softness. When these actions are consistently practiced in a community of believers, true spiritual growth and a tangible demonstration of God's love ensues.

Serving Love and the Body of Christ (Part 1)

Dennis McCallum

Mark 10:42-45

Paul commands the Thessalonian believers to respect their leaders and to live peaceably with everyone. But what is biblical leadership? The Bible is clear that God calls and appoints leaders, and these leaders are then recognized by others for their proven service to God and His people. These leaders must be relatively more mature than others in the church, exhibit godly character, and have a solid foundation in God's truth. Those who have not been called into leadership yet should cultivate a healthy appreciation for their leaders and work towards becoming spiritual leaders themselves.

The Logic of Grace

Dennis McCallum

Deuteronomy 30:3-5

God's grace has three components: faith, hope, and love. This faith is dependent upon God's self-authentication through fulfilled prophecies like the regathering of Israel, and it is also personal in the sense that people choose individually to start a relationship with God. God also extends hope to people through the promise of eternal life in heaven, and this hope provides Christians with joy in this life. Finally, love is the motivation for sharing God's grace with people who do not know Him and serving others in the church. These three components provide a firm foundation for the Christian life and reasons to learn more about Christ for those who are investigating the Christian faith.

Authentic Christian Community (Part 3) Spiritual Gifts

Gary DeLashmutt

1 Corinthians 12:1-31

Paul speaks to the Corinthians about spiritual gifts, explaining that they are to be used to serve others. We are to live inter-dependent lives with other believers, and learn to love them sacrificially. Each of us has a role to play, and spiritual gifts are just one way God wants to use us to support the body.

God's Wisdom and Church Discipline

Gary DeLashmutt

1 Corinthians 5:1-13

In response to unchecked sin (a man carrying on a sexual relationship with his father's wife), Paul rebukes the Corinthian church for not practicing the church discipline that is warranted. When practiced correctly, church discipline can be redemptive and loving. It can help bring the person to a point of repentance, it maintains the spiritual health and zeal of the community practicing it, and it upholds the integrity of the church which is attractive to the watching world. It's important to remember, however, that church discipline is only meant for serious and chronic behavior and only for those who claim to know Jesus.

Churches That Follow God's Wisdom

Gary DeLashmutt

1 Corinthians 1:26-2:5

Paul reminds the Corinthians what a church would look like if it was following the wisdom of God rather than the wisdom of the world. First, these churches tend to not attract many "movers and shakers," as these people are often too preoccupied with their social standing, power, money, etc. to see their need for Christ. Next, people in the church boast about God and all He has given them rather than boasting about themselves and their own accomplishments. Lastly, they interact with non-Christians in a humble way, keeping the focus on Jesus rather than on a big presentation or production.

Unity Out of Diversity

Scott Risley

Ephesians 4:3-12

We have all been given unique spiritual gifts as Christ's way of equipping us for works of service. Every believer is called to contribute to the body of Christ, preserve the unity among one another, love others, and reach the lost.

Life in the Body of Christ

Dennis McCallum

1 Corinthians 12:18

God has given many gifts to the members of the church ? the Body of Christ - so that each member can be built up to maturity in the Lord. Spiritual maturity is obtained relationally through unity, faith and knowledge. God has chosen each and every member to perform their special work so that the Body of Christ will grow both qualitatively and quantitatively.

Walking in Unity

Scott Risley

Ephesians 4:1-6

God calls us to be active members in the Body of Christ. We are to build close relationships with other believers, bear with one another, and remember our own unique roles in each other's lives.